INNISFAIL – A local student is learning what it means to be a global citizen.
Fifteen-year-old Erin Smith, of Bowden, was chosen for the Rotary Club of Innisfail’s 2019 (International) Youth Exchange program.
After experiencing two other Rotary youth programs, Smith learned about the youth exchange and decided to apply for the opportunity.
As part of the program, Smith will live in and attend school in Sweden for 11 months.
“I’m so excited. I’ve always been interested in cultures,” said Smith.
“When I first heard about it, I was so excited and I wanted to learn more about Sweden so I picked Sweden as my number 1 choice,” she said, noting she had a choice of 11 countries for the youth exchange program.
Smith was interviewed for the program last fall by members of the local Rotary Club. She learned she was chosen in November.
The Rotary Youth Exchange Program is open to youth between the ages of 15 and 19.
Smith said she's looking forward to experiencing the culture, language and other aspects of life in Sweden.
“I think the thing I’m most interested and most excited to do is go to school in Sweden,” she said.
Smith is preparing for her trip this July by learning the language and fundraising for several expenses she's required to cover.
The Rotary Club covers a portion of expenses, noted Smith, and she must also raise funds to help with her trip.
“I’ve been going onto (the language learning app) LinGo and learning Swedish. It’s so fun to learn. It’s such an interesting language,” she said.
Smith held a recent online auction between March 30 and April 2 to help raise funds for her trip.
There are also two upcoming craft-making fundraisers, organized and hosted by family friend Leanne Braun Murray, at the Orange Hall in Innisfail on April 27. The event includes an afternoon session and another in the evening.
Smith said she's excited about her trip of a lifetime and has received much support from family, friends and the community.
"I’ve had so much support. Everyone is cheering me on and they’re all excited that I’ve been given this opportunity,” Smith concluded.
For more information on the trip or to contribute to the fundraiser on April 27, visit her page "Innisfail to Sweden Online Auction" on Facebook.
